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amazon Microsoft Surface Pro X reviews
Microsoft’s Surface Pro X is tipped to signal a new chapter for Qualcomm’s foray into Windows PCs and tablets, one in which battery life is no longer the only selling point. To its credit, the new, semi-custom Microsoft SQ1 chip (based on Snapdragon 8cx) delivers improvements in graphics and performance. We also appreciate the arrival of USB-C and a superbly crafted pen.
But in a series of events, the Surface Pro X ran out of battery. Meanwhile, the app compatibility and issues that are a pity for Snapdragon-powered PCs remain. Perhaps it could be tolerated in a system like the Samsung Galaxy Book 2, which offers 18 hours of battery life. But not the Surface Pro X, with only 8 to 10 hours. The tired mantra of This is a new architecture, take a moment, no more flying. When a bug or another problem pops up, it can be painful.
Specifications
Display: 13-inch (2880×1920) PixelSense display, multi-touch
Processor: 3GHz Microsoft SQ1
Graphics: Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685
Memory: 8GB/16GB (8GB as tested)
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB SSD (128GB in testing)
Ports: 2 USB-C, 1 Surface Connect, 1 nanoSIM, Surface Keyboard Connector
Camera: 5MP/1080p (user-facing); 10MP autofocus with 1080p/4K video options
Battery: 38.9Wh (reported)
Wireless: Wi-Fi5/ 802.11ac; Bluetooth 5; Snapdragon X24 LTE modem with nanoSIM or eSIM
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Dimensions (inches): 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28
Weight: 1.72 pounds; 2.37 with keyboard and pen); 2.99 with charger
Black
Nice physical design
A little change from our first impressions of the Surface Pro X: It’s a Surface Pro tablet, enhanced for a new generation of tablet users. Interest in tablets has waned somewhat, due to the lack of third-party Windows tablets we’ve seen lately. But Microsoft’s Surface tablets are known for their sleek, stylish designs, and the Surface Pro X lives up to its legacy.
Don’t forget, though, that you’ll make an outrageous $270 just for the keyboard (and pen), a virtual necessity. That’s the price of a cheap Chromebook or desktop.
The Slim Pen is a pleasure, though. In a few years, this design detail (first discovered in January, in Dell’s Inspiron 13 and 15 7000 Black Edition laptops) could be copied enough to become popular, just like the tablet stand today. But discovering the pen simply couldn’t help spark thinking: oh, they’ve finally solved it. It even has a small charging light. I don’t know how long the pen’s battery life is because it’s always charging when not in use.
The pen’s cubby, in addition to charging the pen, will magnetically flip it if you insert it wrong. The Windows logo must be placed on top and the Surface Pro X will rotate it if it is not oriented properly.
Microsoft describes the Surface Pro X chassis design as its signature anodized aluminum with a fan, and carbon composite thermal cooling system, a fancy way to describe how light, sturdy, and cool it is. I never discovered more than a little warmth.
The stand reclines no more than 180 degrees, with just a slight bend for drawing purposes. The base is stiff and supportive over the entire range of motion, providing a lot more flexibility than a traditional clamshell, which typically leans about 45 degrees to the horizontal.
Immediate Lappability remains a matter of taste. I arrange our work with a tablet in your quiz game. Yes, it is possible. That’s right, the grip between the Surface Pro X keyboard and the tablet is excellent, and you don’t have to worry about cracking if it hits your knee. In practice, however, the Surface Pro X works best on a desk or hard desk.
Screens and ports
The Surface Pro X display pumps out an incredible 448 nits of light, which means it can be used even in bright sunlight. (Remember, screen brightness also harms battery life.) Two color profiles are supported: Enhanced and sRGB. The tapered bezels allow the Surface Pro X to turn its 13-inch display into a smaller overall configuration. This is the kind of structural modification fans that have been requested. If you’re a Surface Dial user, it doesn’t support on-screen use, although you can use it as an off-screen peripheral.
The addition of a pair of USB-C ports brings the Surface Pro X in line with other modern tablet designs. However, they are not provided by Thunderbolt, so your external display connection options are still limited. Since the Surface, Pro X connects USB-A, miniDisplayPort, and microSD, you’ll need a USB-C hub to connect legacy devices (a compact investment after spending over $250 on a keyboard).
I was able to connect to an external 4K display perfectly fine using the Surface Dock, but when I added a second 1080p display, the 4K display connection became unreliable. (Connecting directly to an external display works fine.) You would think that a company like Microsoft, which owns the operating system and manufactures the hardware, would solve these problems.
On the back of the Surface, Pro X is a rather interestingly designed panel that can be popped out using the SIM tool. Inside hides a SIM slot, as well as a user-accessible SSD drive. Microsoft says removable SSDs are for data portability, and you’ll have to find compatible SSDs these long and tough. A small magnet helps guide the panel back into place, a thoughtful design detail.
It’s a good starting point to talk about one of the strengths of the Surface Pro X: wireless.
It’s no secret that we favor always-on, always-connected PCs, simply because you can do more with a device that can run all day and connect to the Internet. LTE-capable Surface Pro devices tend to stick to the initial rollout for about six months, but Microsoft has yet to announce the Surface Pro 7. LTE-capable, from a connectivity standpoint, the Surface Pro X is it.
Surface Pro X uses Qualcomm’s X24 LTE modem, which supports the major LTE bands used by all four US carriers, as well as those used in Asia and Europe. You will be able to connect all over the world.
Keyboard, speaker, and camera
I was surprised to find that I almost enjoyed typing on the Surface Pro X more than on our recently reviewed Surface Laptop 3. The Surface Pro keyboard’s keyboard has always had a looser feel, coming from one of my favorites, the Surface Pro 3. While the Surface Laptop 3’s keys are a bit stiff, I like the Surface Pro X’s combination of resilience and comfort. The precision touchpad is excellent, clicking up to the top of the screen.
Microsoft has always believed in bold audio experiences. The Surface Pro X continues that tradition, with powerful speakers that belie the relatively small size of the tablet. Dolby Audio Premium is included, with its options for stereo expansion and tonal equalization. The Surface Pro X falls into the small group of tablets and laptops where you don’t want to listen to audio without headphones.
Typically, user-facing cameras are bare-bones 720p models for video conferencing. Microsoft gives you a user-facing 5MP camera that’s good enough for 1080p, as well as a surprisingly good 10MP rear camera with HDR and autofocus.
The camera app is integrated with the Microsoft Whiteboard app, which means you can take a picture of the whiteboard, even at an angle, and the app will translate it into an image that you can edit and mark up. This is a possibility unique to Microsoft’s Surface Laptop tablet, which lacks a rear camera to do this.
Touch and Pen Input
The touchscreen on the Surface Pro X is highly responsive, providing a smooth and intuitive touch experience. It supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to navigate through the Windows 11 interface. Additionally, the display is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen, which attaches magnetically to the side of the device for convenient storage and charging. The pen offers low latency and high precision, making it ideal for drawing, note-taking, and other creative tasks.
Aspect Ratio
The 3:2 aspect ratio of the display is a signature feature of the Surface lineup. This aspect ratio provides more vertical space compared to traditional 16:9 screens, making it better suited for productivity tasks like reading documents, browsing the web, and working on spreadsheets. It also enhances the overall usability of the device in both laptop and tablet modes.
Performance
The Surface Pro X is powered by Microsoft’s custom ARM-based processor, the Microsoft SQ1 or the upgraded SQ2, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm. These processors aim to deliver a balance of performance and power efficiency, catering to the needs of modern mobile users.
CPU and GPU Performance
The Microsoft SQ1 and SQ2 processors are based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon architecture, featuring an octa-core CPU and an Adreno 685 GPU (SQ1) or Adreno 690 GPU (SQ2). These processors are designed to handle everyday tasks with ease, including web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and light photo editing.
In benchmark tests, the Surface Pro X performs well for a device in its category, but it falls short compared to Intel and AMD-based counterparts in terms of raw processing power. While it can handle most productivity tasks without any issues, more demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming may not run as smoothly.
RAM and Storage
The Surface Pro X comes with either 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, providing sufficient memory for multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. Users can choose between 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of SSD storage. The SSD provides fast read and write speeds, ensuring quick boot times and snappy performance when accessing files and applications.
Connectivity and Expandability
The Surface Pro X features two USB-C ports, which support data transfer, charging, and display output. These versatile ports allow users to connect a wide range of peripherals, including external displays, storage devices, and docking stations. However, the absence of a traditional USB-A port may require users to use adapters for older peripherals.
The device also includes a Surface Connect port for charging and connecting to Surface accessories, as well as a nano-SIM slot for LTE connectivity. The Surface Pro X supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring reliable wireless connectivity for online activities and peripheral connections.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Surface Pro X is designed to work seamlessly with the Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard, which is sold separately. This keyboard cover attaches magnetically to the device and provides a comfortable typing experience similar to that of a traditional laptop.
Typing Experience
The keys on the Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard are well-spaced and offer a good amount of travel, providing a satisfying typing experience. The keys are backlit, making it easy to type in low-light conditions. The keyboard cover also includes a built-in pen holder for the Surface Slim Pen, ensuring that the pen is always within reach when needed.
Touchpad
The touchpad on the Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard is large and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures for easy navigation. It offers a smooth and precise tracking experience, making it a reliable alternative to using the touchscreen for cursor control and gesture-based commands.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any portable device, and the Surface Pro X aims to deliver all-day battery performance. The device is equipped with a 38.2Wh battery, which Microsoft claims can provide up to 15 hours of typical device usage.
Real-World Usage
In real-world usage scenarios, the Surface Pro X delivers impressive battery life, often lasting between 10 to 12 hours on a single charge with mixed usage, including web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and occasional use of creative applications. The ARM-based processor’s power efficiency contributes significantly to the device’s long battery life, making it an ideal choice for users who need a reliable device for on-the-go productivity.
Fast Charging
The Surface Pro X supports fast charging through the Surface Connect port, allowing users to quickly recharge the device. Microsoft claims that the device can charge up to 80% in about an hour, which is a valuable feature for users who need to top up their battery during short breaks.
Software Experience
The Surface Pro X runs Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. Windows 11 is optimized for touch and pen input, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience on the Surface Pro X.
Windows on ARM
One of the key aspects of the Surface Pro X is its ARM-based architecture, which brings certain advantages and limitations. Windows 11 on ARM provides a seamless experience for most tasks, with native support for ARM64 applications. However, some legacy x86 applications may not run as efficiently or may require emulation, which can impact performance.
Pre-Installed Software
The Surface Pro X comes with a minimal amount of pre-installed software, including Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office (trial), and a few other utility applications. This clean software setup ensures that users have a fresh start and can customize the device with their preferred applications and tools.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Pro X offers a modern selection of ports and connectivity options, catering to the needs of today’s users.
USB-C Ports
The device features two USB-C 3.2 ports, which provide versatile connectivity options for data transfer, charging, and display output. These ports are compatible with a wide range of peripherals, including external monitors, storage devices, and docking stations. However, the lack of a traditional USB-A port may require users to use adapters for older peripherals.
Surface Connect Port
The Surface Connect port is used for charging the device and connecting to Surface accessories, such as the Surface Dock. This proprietary port ensures fast charging and reliable connectivity with Surface-specific peripherals.
Nano-SIM Slot
The Surface Pro X includes a nano-SIM slot for LTE connectivity, allowing users to stay connected to the internet even when Wi-Fi is not available. This feature is particularly useful for professionals who need to stay productive while traveling or working in remote locations.
Wireless Connectivity
The device supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring reliable wireless connectivity for online activities and peripheral connections. While Wi-Fi 5 is adequate for most users, the absence of Wi-Fi 6 may be a drawback for those seeking the latest wireless technology.
Audio and Webcam
The Surface Pro X features stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, providing clear and balanced sound quality for a variety of content, including music, movies, and video calls. The speakers are positioned on either side of the display, delivering an immersive audio experience.
Audio Quality
The audio quality on the Surface Pro X is impressive for a device of its size. The speakers produce clear and balanced sound with a decent amount of bass and good clarity at higher volumes. While they may not replace a dedicated external speaker setup, they are more than adequate for casual listening, video conferencing, and streaming media.
Webcam and Microphone
The Surface Pro X features a 5.0-megapixel front-facing camera capable of recording 1080p HD video, making it well-suited for video conferencing and online meetings. The camera produces clear and sharp images, with good color accuracy and low light performance, which is essential for professional video calls.
Additionally, the device includes a 10.0-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of 4K video recording. This camera is useful for capturing photos and videos on the go, scanning documents, and other tasks that require high-quality imaging.
The built-in dual far-field studio microphones provide clear audio capture, reducing background noise and ensuring that your voice is heard clearly during video calls and voice recordings. This makes the Surface Pro X a strong contender for remote work and online collaboration.
Software Compatibility and Ecosystem
The Surface Pro X runs Windows 11, which brings several enhancements and features optimized for touch and pen input. The Windows 11 interface is sleek and modern, offering improved multitasking, better window management, and a redesigned Start menu.
Windows 11 on ARM
Running Windows 11 on an ARM-based processor presents both advantages and challenges. The primary benefit is enhanced power efficiency and improved battery life. ARM processors are designed to handle mobile tasks efficiently, making the Surface Pro X a great choice for users who prioritize portability and longevity.
However, software compatibility can be a concern. While Windows 11 on ARM supports native ARM64 applications and can run x86 applications through emulation, some older or specialized software may not perform as well or may not be compatible at all. Microsoft has been working to improve app compatibility, and many popular applications now run smoothly on ARM. However, users who rely heavily on specific legacy software should verify compatibility before making a purchase.
Microsoft Ecosystem
As part of the Surface lineup, the Pro X integrates seamlessly with the broader Microsoft ecosystem. This includes compatibility with Microsoft Office, OneDrive, and other productivity tools. The device also supports Windows Hello, enabling secure login with facial recognition. Additionally, the Surface Slim Pen and Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard enhance the overall user experience, providing versatile input options for various tasks.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Pro X is a compelling 2-in-1 device that excels in design, portability, and battery life. It offers a high-resolution display, versatile input options, and seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a strong choice for professionals, students, creatives, and everyday users. While its ARM-based architecture brings certain limitations in terms of software compatibility and performance, it delivers a unique blend of mobility and functionality that sets it apart in the market.
For users who prioritize portability and long battery life, the Surface Pro X is an excellent option. Its sleek design and versatile capabilities make it a valuable tool for a wide range of tasks, from productivity and creativity to casual use. However, those who rely heavily on specific legacy software or require high-end performance for demanding applications may need to consider these factors before making a purchase.
Overall, the Surface Pro X represents a bold step forward in the evolution of the Surface lineup, offering a modern and versatile solution for the mobile-first world.
where can you get a Microsoft Surface Pro X online
Microsoft Surface Pro X, SQ 2 Processor, with LTE (13″ Touchscreen – 16GB Memory – 256GB SSD) – Platinum (Renewed Premium): Buy it now
Microsoft Surface Pro X – 13″ Touch-Screen – SQ1 – 16GB Memory – 256GB Solid State Drive – Wifi, 4G Lte – Matte Black, (Model: QFM-00001): Buy it now
Microsoft Surface Pro X – 13″ Touchscreen – Microsoft SQ 2 – 16GB Memory – 256GB SSD – Device Only – Platinum (Latest Model): Buy it now
Microsoft Surface Pro X 13″ PixelSense Touchscreen Tablet PC, Microsoft SQ2 Processor, Windows 10 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Black (1X8-00002) (Renewed): Buy it now